Delaney

Delaney

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WILKES-BARRE — With the approach of summer, the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department reminds residents of their responsibilities using barbecue grills, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces.

Each year the city fire department responds to approximately two dozen open burning complaints and barbecue grill fires. This year the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department has already responded to such calls.

“Responsibility and respect for your neighbor should also offer guidance to everyone who uses an outdoor fire pit,” said Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney.

Outdoor grills, fire pits and fireplaces are regulated by city ordinance and enforced by the city’s Fire, Police, Health Code and Building Code Enforcement Departments. Anyone using outdoor fire pits and fireplaces must follow the ordinance and rules that have been listed to keep all of our city residents safe:

• Barbecue grills may not be used on any common covered area or balcony or any over-hanging portion on any residential dwelling or within five feet of any part of a residential dwelling.

• Open burning in the city has not been traditionally accepted. Unregulated burning may also constitute a threat to the safety, health and welfare of residents. Open burning may also constitute a threat of damage or harm to property. Accordingly, the Wilkes-Barre City Council enacted an ordinance that defines Open Burning and puts some regulations in place.

In general, there is no open burning within the city unless specifically authorized by the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department. Exemptions to the outdoor burning rule are:

• The burning of charcoal, clean wood or cooking fuels used in cooking.

• The burning of clean untreated wood in a commercially manufactured outdoor fire pit or outdoor fireplace provided that:

• The fire is wholly contained in the fire pit.

• The fire pit is covered by a screen to control the emission of ash and embers.

• The fire does not constitute a nuisance.

• The fire is not within 15 feet of combustible materials or adjacent property lines.

• The fire is not unattended.

• There is not more than one fire pit or fireplace located on the lot.

• The fire is not located on a lot containing more than two dwelling units or at a fraternity, sorority, or similar housing.

• Burning for bona fide ceremonial or religious purposes.

• Even if the burning would otherwise be allowed, no open burning shall occur if, in the discretion of the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department, it constitutes a nuisance by representing a danger to the public safety, health or welfare.

• The use of outdoor fire pits or places is not authorized between the hours of 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

•· Penalties for violating the Barbecue Grill Ordinance range from $300 to $1000.

• Open Burning penalties shall be subject to a fine of not more than $250.

To view the ordinances in full, please visit www.wilkes-barre.city/wilkes-barre-city-fire-dept/pages/fire-safety-ordinances.

Open burning should be reported, as it occurs, to the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department by calling 911 so the department can be dispatched to investigate the complaint and enforce the open burning ordinance.